"As the Kora Festival draws nearer, two Kora players, in the persons of Tatadingding Jobarteh and Jalikebba Kuyateh, have spoken to Art and Music about their level of preparedness for participation in this highly anticipated cultural event. The festival, which is slated for Friday,28 June, is expected to be attended by almost all the Kora players in the Gambia. Jaliba Kuyateh, in an earlier interview, told this Column that the initiative is to bring all the Kora players together and give awards to some of them who have immensely contributed to the development of Kora music in the country and beyond. He said he will be there and call on all his fans to be there to grace the occasion. TATADINGDING.."

Momodou Event is just three days away and publicity appear to be very poor. Only Foroyaa briefly covered this event without proper information on organisers and event programme. Something is missing in reference to kora festival in question

Friday, July 05, 2013The 21 string West African harp lute is a traditional instrument played by griots or hereditary Mandinka or Malinke historians, as a musical accompanment to their epic tales. Today the kora has become a very popular instrument used globally in different types of music including Afromanding, mbalax, pop, and jazz music. The kora is believed to originate from the Gambia, but it’s traditionally found in most parts of Senegal, Mali, Guinea, and Ivory Coast.

The kora is one of a family of harp lutes with the same basic construction of a large gourd resonator covered by animal hide (antelope or cow), with a long pole neck. The strings are attached to the bottom of the gourd and pass over a large bridge to attach to leather thong tuning rings on the neck.

The kora has the highest number of strings among the harp family and is by far the most versatile often being played in complex simultaneous rhythms, melodies, and accompaniments. Over the years, this instrument continues to win the hearts and minds of many music enthusiasts, due to its melodious and captivating sounds. It’s interesting to note that this 21 string African harp continues to be not only appreciated but also adored by all, regardless of color, race and background.

It’s against this background that Star GSM Communications in collaboration with Star FM Radio last Friday, organized the first ever kora festival in the country, featuring scores of kora bands performing live on stage at a spectacular ceremony held at the Jokor Westfield.

This event was designed to bring all the kora players in the country under one umbrella with a view to creating more awareness about the instrument. For those who attended the event, it could be better described as explosive, characterised by cloud-bursting performances by Tata Dinding and Salam Band, Jali Kebba Kuyateh, Pabobo Jobarteh, Sambou Susso, Jali Neneh Suso, Wuli Band and Mama Africa Band among a host of others.

The programme was graced by a number dignitaries including the Gambia’s ambassador to Qatar-Ansumana Jammeh, who was the chief guest of honour of the night.

Speaking to Daily Observer, Ambassador Jammeh delightfully lauded the initiative saying with the kora having its roots in the Gambia it’s a pride and source of joy to have people organizing such an event . “I am very much proud of this move and I hope is something that will continue for years to come” he said.

“I hereby challenge them to make it an annual event as the proceeds to be generated will go a long way in promoting our culture,” he noted.

The proprietor of Star GSM Lamin Kabba, who is one of the forces behind the event, explained that his vision is to promote the kora music and the Gambian culture internationally. Empowering the kora music especially in the Gambia he said was crucial, noting that it first emerged in the Gambia before being recognised globally.

“That’s why we organized this festival to celebrate and empower kora, because it seems that people are beginning to forget about the instrument. I’m appealing to the people not to forget their culture, because it identifies who you are,” he stated.

The Star GSM Communication boss then used the opportunity to thank its media partner for their proactive stance in the dissemination of news. “It’s in this regard that I award the media institution for their hard work in updating people with current news in the country,” he stated, while calling on all to take ownership and promote the kora music.

Kabba further spoke of his resolve to make the festival an annual event. Other speakers included, Tata Dinding Jobarteh of the Salam Band, Jali Kebba Kuyateh, Musa Jobarteh, and the lead vocalist of Mama Africa Band. They all expressed gratitude acknowledging that the initiative will help to promote the Kora instrument both locally and internationally.

Media partners including The Observer Company, GRTS, The Point and Foroyaa were awarded certificates of appreciation.Author: Sheriff Janko

The world is divided into people who do things, and people who get the credit. Try to belong to the first class - there's far less competition (D. Morrow)

"Kebba: what should we expect from you on the night of the Kora festival in the Gambia?Jaliba: Well to be frank I may not even perform because I’m asked to go and receive an award. I’m just wishing them good luck. As far as they are promoting Kora, I want to wish them good luck."

TIMING:

"The interview was also possible due to the forthcoming kora festival which took place last month."

The world is divided into people who do things, and people who get the credit. Try to belong to the first class - there's far less competition (D. Morrow)